Canton Resident Helps Save Man From Burning Vehicle: VIDEO

PLAINVILLE, CT — A Canton man and another motorist are being credited, along with a Connecticut State Police trooper, with freeing a motorist from a fiery crash on Route 72 Tuesday.

On its Facebook page, state police gave a detailed account of the rescue, which took place around 10 a.m. near exit 3 in Plainville.

A 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix was traveling eastbound when the male driver lost control of the vehicle and veered into the left shoulder. The vehicle struck the metal beam guardrail and briefly rode on top of the barrier before impacting a bridge support column, resulting in the vehicle bursting into flames with the driver, who was the sole occupant, trapped inside, police said.

Trooper First Class Thomas Karanda, who was working in a nearby highway construction zone when he heard the crash and fire dispatched over the Troop H-Hartford radio, immediately responded to the scene. He was able to smash the driver's side window, and with the assistance of a construction worker from Canton and a passing motorist from Wolcott, the three were able to free the operator from the burning vehicle, police said.

The operator was transported to Hartford Hospital for evaluation of his injuries. None of the rescuers reported injuries, police said.

Police did not immediately identify the driver or the men who assisted with the heroic rescue.

Video courtesy of Connecticut State Police (photo taken from video)